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College Writing Prep: Research Writing and Basics

In this 8 week college writing course, students will be guided through a 5 page research paper. The students will learn the principals of selecting a research topic, finding reputable sources, and incorporating sources into their paper.
Dr. Hopkins, Ed.D
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(2)
Class

What's included

8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Students will submit the progress of their papers weekly for evaluation and feedback. Including research topics, sources, annotations, and paper drafts.
Projects
Students will submit their final research paper. The student's research paper is a progress across the 8 week course.
Assessment
This course is meant to improve writing skills. I will provide feedback at least once a week to assess the student's improvement. Letter grades are not provided in this course.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
This 8 week course focuses on the necessary skills it takes to write an excellent research paper, preparing students for college level courses. Students will learn how to organize a research paper from how to develop an outline for the paper to how to make seamless transitions between concepts. They will also learn MLA format, how to find sources, and how to utilize sources that avoids plagiarism. 

Each class will begin with an introduction of the new unit with students will listen to my instruction on the topic. Then they engage with materials such as example papers to practice identifying concepts covered in the lecture. Students will be expected to ask clarifying questions and work through their difficulties in developing a research paper. 

I make sure to use a variety of techniques based on the needs of my students. If you know the type of learner your child is, let me know to best prepare presentations for them. Otherwise, I will try to get to know their learning style in the first few lessons to ensure they do not fall behind. 

I don't like talking at students for 50 minutes. They will get bored and tune me out. I like an active classroom with discussions, questions, and practice activities. I am never offended if a student interrupts to say they need clarification. That means I have engaged them and can adjust to their needs. This is meant to prepare students for writing in college. I want the students to take and retain as much information as possible.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their writing skills; research paper writing, grammar, transitions, introduction and conclusions, and editing.
Students will learn MLA format; citing sources, summarizing sources, creating a bibliography, avoiding plagiarism.
learning goal

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Developing a Paragraph, Grammar Basics, and Choosing a Topic
 In this lessons, students will learn how to develop a basic paragraph, scaffolded for students who are prepared to advance from the basics. I will also cover grammar mistakes that should be avoided. Additionally, students will learn how to choose a topic. They will consider the broader concept and break down to a specific focus to ensure the scope of the paper is manageable and clear. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Reputable Sources and the Tone of a Paper
 In this lesson, students will learn how to find quality sources, determine what makes a source reputable, and how to build a catalogue that they can return to as needed. The student's will also learn how to convey certain tones in their writing and how to avoid overgeneralizations. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Annotating Sources and Outlining the Research Paper
 In this lesson, students will learn how to make quality annotations on their sources that lead to comprehension of the material and the student's ability to use the source in their paper. The students will also learn the steps to creating an outline for their paper which includes sub-topics for each section, ideal page lengths for sub-topics, and connecting concepts. If ready, students will begin writing their research paper. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Incorporating Sources and Summarizing Ideas
 In this lesson, students will learn how to incorporate sources into their research paper. They will learn about plagiarism, how to avoid it, and summarizing sources while giving credit to the author. Students will learn the MLA format in this course for citing sources. Students will begin writing their research paper, if they haven't done so already. I will engage in their live document to help guide them throughout the week. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
I differentiate for each student. If your student has special learning needs, I will accommodate or modify based on the student's needs.
Parental Guidance
Students will be given the opportunity to pick their research topic, with guidance on scope. If there are specific topics you would prefer that your child avoid, please have that conversation with your child. I will have a basic set of research topics appropriate for high school students but they are not limited to the topic I provide.
Supply List
Access to either Microsoft Word or Google Documents
Joined May, 2021
5.0
2reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arizona Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and have mastered the content necessary for developing a research paper and understand the requirements for college preparedness. 

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$25

weekly or $200 for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-6 learners per class

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